Seahawks hopeful they’ll have Lynch available Sunday

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Friday that running back Marshawn Lynch’s availability for the season opener Sunday at Arizona will be a game-time decision.

“He made it through all of the work,” Carroll said of his star ballcarrier, who has been slowed by back spasms. “He looks good, but it’s still day-to-day. We’ve got to see how he responds tomorrow, so it takes us all the way to game time to make sure everything is all right. But he did do well during the week.”

Heading into this week, Lynch had not practiced or played in a game since Seattle’s second exhibition contest at Denver on Aug. 18. However, Lynch practiced as a limited participant for the second straight day Friday, making quick and decisive cuts while working with the starters during team drills.

After practice, Lynch said it will be up to the team’s medical staff on whether he’s cleared to play Sunday.

“I feel good,” Lynch said.

The same cannot be said for Golden Tate. The third-year receiver did not practice again Friday because of a sprained knee and has been ruled out for Sunday.

Carroll said he hopes to have Tate back on the field by the middle of next week.

Eight-year veteran Braylon Edwards will start in Tate’s place.

“He has really been a great surprise for us,” Carroll said about Edwards. “He came in so competitive and so determined to prove that he fits, and he has not backed off at any time. The really exciting thing is to see him do stuff in practice, then turn around and do it in the games. He’s done that and come through for us, so we’re excited to see what he does.”

Quarterback Matt Flynn also was a limited participant for a second straight day because of a sore elbow, but he is expected to be available if called upon against the Cardinals.

“We’re just resting it to make sure this thing doesn’t flare up,” Carroll said.

Flynn had an issue with tendinitis in his elbow that surfaced in Seattle’s third exhibition game at Kansas City and forced him out of that game. However, Flynn recovered enough to play in Seattle’s final exhibition, against Oakland.

Other Seattle players not available Sunday include rookie defensive end Greg Scruggs (hamstring) and offensive lineman James Carpenter (knee).

Carroll said cornerback Byron Maxwell (shoulder) will be a game-time decision. Maxwell did not practice Thursday or Friday.